The NV1500 doesn't offer optional V8 power, but its V6 provides a towing capacity that's larger than some competitors.

Introduction

In these fuel-efficient times, full-size vans have become a dying breed. But Nissan chose to take a leap into this realm for the first time with its NV Van for 2012. Quirky looks aside, it gives buyers a simple lineup to choose from, and standard features—like cloth seating—that most other work-style vans only offer as options. The jury is still out on just how successful this model will be, but it certainly has a nice foundation to build on.

The NV Van carries over into its second year—2013—with almost no changes. The entry-level NV1500 Cargo comes in a pair of trims: S and SV. Both feature a 4-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque.

Also standard is a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This setup allows for a maximum towing capacity—with towing receiver—of 7,000 pounds, and maximum payloads of 2,590 pounds in the S and 2,535 in the SV.

Inside the NV 1500 Cargo, you'll find a pair of front seats wrapped in grey cloth; there's a large cargo hull in the rear. This creates a total of 234.1 cubic feet of cargo room, a maximum cargo length of 120 inches, a maximum cargo width of 70.2 inches and 68.3 cubic-feet of passenger room. The overall cargo capacity in the NV is slightly lower than its biggest competition, the Chevy Express 1500, but only by 5.6 cubic feet and 4.6 inches in length.